Red Ribbon week offers the time to remind students to take a stand and say no to drugs. More than 30 years ago, members of a Mexican drug cartel kidnapped, tortured and killed U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique Camarena. Friends and family members of Camarena said they want to spread awareness of the dangers of drugs. In 1988, the first Red Ribbon Week was started and turned into a national event. The week of Oct 28 – Nov. 1, the school will help continue the “Red Ribbon Week” tradition.

“Red Ribbon Week is important because it makes people aware of what harms can come from doing drugs,” counselor Michelle Roach said. “It also makes people aware of the harm and destruction it does to the people around you. There is data to show that the Red Ribbon Week campaign is effective throughout all ages.”

To help grab students’ attention and make the campaign exciting, the student council has planned dress-up days and events for the week.

“Monday is ‘Red Out,’ and we will be giving out little red ribbons to everyone during lunch,” sponsor Amy Viars said. “Tuesday is ‘Jersey Day,’ and we are trying to promote a healthy lifestyle, so we will actually have an inflatable obstacle course during lunch for the students. Wednesday is ‘Decades day,’ and we will be selling red glow sticks to use during the pep rally. Thursday is Halloween costumes. Friday is ‘Black Out’ for the pep rally.”

For more information on “Red Ribbon Week” and its impact, visit the Red Ribbon Campaign’s national website by clicking here.